A good season under the sign of recovery
After two difficult years, the 2022 season finally seems to mark the end of the COVID period in terms of tourist activity. After a feverish start to the year, marked by some health restrictions and hesitations, in particular for groups, attendance was able to restart correctly as soon as the season opened in April.
Indeed, the Falaise and Pont-d'Ouilly reception offices welcomed more than 9 visitors between January 000 and August 1 (i.e. more than the whole of 31). These figures reflect a strong trend back to normal, with levels similar to the 2021-2018 standards.
The months of July and August were particularly good. The attendance figures exceed those of 2018.
The proportion of French customers remains higher than the years before COVID (80% compared to 69% in 2019-2018). The season is however marked by a return of foreigners, who only represented 10% in 2021 and 2020.
The British, virtually absent for 2 years, thus regained their rank of first foreign clientele in July and August. And this despite a difficult economic and social context (Brexit).
Trends that are confirmed globally at the service provider level (merchants, hosts,
restaurateurs…) and visit sites. These have indeed experienced very good attendance, partly motivated by the favorable weather for outdoor sites (canoe-kayak rental, tree climbing and Normandy Switzerland in general).
Many animations
During the summer period, the Tourist Office has been at the initiative, or partner, of many visits which punctuated the summer of locals and the stay of holidaymakers:
- strolls in the communes of the Pays de Falaise,
- guided tours of Falaise,
- theatrical walks,
- nature walks on foot or on the water.
The Tourist Office also initiated an unprecedented day organized at Le Mesnil-Villement on August 19, supported by KotA'venture and the town, around an open-air film projection organized as part of the 10th anniversary of Pierres en Lumières.
The summer was also marked by major events:
- The Medievals of Falaise : supported financially and logistically by the Community of Communes of the Pays de Falaise.
- The great Sound and Light show Fiancée de Falaise – the return to Peace » : which brought together more than 3000 spectators during the month of August. That is to say 435 spectators on average gathered per screening, twice a week: a considerable contribution for the businesses and the local animation, and a real support for the transmission of the memory.